Sino-Russo Strategic Synergy in International Politics and Emerging Contours of South Asian Equilibrium: An Indian Perspective

Nishtha Kaushiki,Hilal Ramzan 서울대학교 국제학연구소 2015 Journal of International and Area Studies Vol.22 No.2

The primary objective of this paper is to trace the shifting balance of power in favour of China in South Asia by examining the Sino-Russo entente. The trajectories of their strategic relations have gained momentum after the announcement of the ‘Asia Pivot’ and the unfolding of the Crimean crisis. As their synergy is currently changing the status quo of south Asian states, the paper has attempted to explore three main factors for the same. Moscow-Beijing-Tehran Axis; warming up of Russo-Pak ties and China’s revival of the old silk route have been analysed to examine their respective consequences in altering the balance of power. Also, India’s concerns have been addressed and some policy options have been discussed.

Phytochemical isoflavones against diabetic foot bacteria

Mazumdar, Kaushiki,Dutta, Noton Kumar,Dastidar, Sujata G.,Motohashi, Noboru,Shirataki, Yoshiaki Kyung Hee Oriental Medicine Research Center 2004 Oriental pharmacy and experimental medicine Vol.4 No.4

Wound swabs and pus samples were collected from diabetic foot ulcers, and control pus samples from non-diabetic cases. In 144 diabetic cases screened, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated from 78 cases, in which 10.59% of the isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR), whereas the 60 control cases were not MDR. The isolated bacteria were decreasingly resistant to 6 clinically administrated antimicrobics such as ceftazidime, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, tobramycin, piperacillin and amikacin. Therefore, it is demanded that new and more effective antimicrobials of phytochemical origins are sought after. Among 11 isoflavones (YS11-YS21) isolated from Sophora and Euchresta (Leguminosae; pea plant family), 2 (YS19 and YS21) prominently exhibited the high antibacterial activity both in vitro and in vivo. By the preliminary results, the object of this paper is to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial effect of YS19 and YS21 on the clinically isolated bactera of Ps. Aeruginosa in hospitals. All the isolates were sensitive to YS19 and YS21 and for both, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranged from $2\;to\;50\;{\mu}g/mL$. The $MIC_{90}$ values of YS19 and YS21 were $50\;{\mu}g/mL$. It is suggested that these isoflavones might consist a basis phytochemical prevention and therapy for diabetic foot infections caused by pseudomonads.

Factors Contributing to an Emerging Russia-Pakistan Strategic Proximity: An Indian Perspective

Nishtha Kaushiki 서울대학교 국제학연구소 2019 Journal of International and Area Studies Vol.26 No.1

The primary objective of this paper is to examine the factors due to which both Pakistan and Russia have displayed an eagerness to normalise and deepen their strategic relations. Historically, Pakistan and former Soviet Union always saw each other either through the prism of the U.S. or India resulting in the absence of an independent foreign policy towards each other with little scope of strategic manoeuvring between the two. Today, the trajectories of their relations have undergone rapid changes in the backdrop of the new Cold War. Besides covering the historical background, the present study examines the predominant reasons reflecting the contemporary developments for their strategic bonhomie from an Indian perspective. The contemporary economic and strategic calculations have been highlighted in the present study. In the process it also examines how their strategic synergy may alter the existing balance of power in South Asia and international peace.

The New Great Game and India's Connect Central Asia Policy: Strategic Perspectives and Challenges

Nishtha Kaushiki 서울대학교 국제학연구소 2013 Journal of International and Area Studies Vol.20 No.2

The article is a humble attempt to explore the various strategic and political challenges faced by India in its connect central Asia policy (CCAP) in the backdrop of the New Great Game that has overtime developed in the Central Asian Region (CAR). The article analyses the objectives of the major powers in the CAR while establishing linkages between the key developments in the Asian region such as emerging Sino-Russo strategic alliance, Obama's Asia Pivot, Dushanbe summit, etc. It discusses its implications in the form of challenges for India. Finally, it attempts to recommend a multifaceted approach for India to strengthen its position in the CAR.

The Role of NMDA Receptor Antagonists in Nicotine Tolerance, Sensitization, and Physical Dependence: A Preclinical Review

Raka Jain,Kaushiki Mukherjee,Yatan Pal Singh Balhara 연세대학교의과대학 2008 Yonsei medical journal Vol.49 No.2

Nicotine, the primary psychoactive component of tobacco products, produces diverse neurophysiological, motivational, and behavioral effects through several brain regions and neurochemical pathways. Various neurotransmitter systems have been explored to understand the mechanisms behind nicotine tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal. Recent evidence suggests that glutamate neurotransmission has an important role in this phenomenon. The aim of the present review is to discuss preclinical findings concerning the role of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor neurotransmission in mediating the behavioral effects of nicotine, tolerance, sensitization, dependence, and withdrawal. Based on preclinical findings, it is hypothesized that NMDA receptors mediate the common adaptive processes that are involved in the development, maintenance, and expression of nicotine addiction. Modulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission with NMDA receptor antagonists may prove to be useful in alleviating the symptoms of nicotine abstinence and facilitate tobacco-smoking cessation.

Assessment of antibacterial activity of the cardiovascular drug nifedipine

Pal, Tapas,Dutta, Noton Kumar,Mazumdar, Kaushiki,Dasgupta, Asish,L., Jeyaseeli,Dastidar, Sujata G. Kyung Hee Oriental Medicine Research Center 2006 Oriental pharmacy and experimental medicine Vol.6 No.2

The cardiovascular drug nifedipine exhibited significant in vitro and in vivo antibacterial activity against 331 strains of bacteria belonging to three Gram-positive and twelve Gram-negative genera. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the drug, as determined both by agar and broth dilution methods, was seen to range from $25\;-\;200\;{\mu}g/ml$ against most test bacteria, including several pathogenic ones, in the in vitro studies. Nifedipine was bacteriostatic in action. in vivo studies with this drug showed that it could offer statistically significant protection (P < 0.001) to mice challenged with a virulent bacterium. Therefore, nifedipine has the potential of an antibacterial agent, which may be developed after further pharmacological studies.

Anti-Salmonella activity of a flavonone from Butea frondosa bark in mice

Mishra, Uma Shankar,Dutta, Noton Kumar,Mazumdar, Kaushiki,Mahapatra, Santosh Kumar,Chakraborty, Pronobesh,Dastidar, Sujata G Kyung Hee Oriental Medicine Research Center 2008 Oriental pharmacy and experimental medicine Vol.8 No.4

Butea frondosa has been used traditionally as a topical formulation in the treatment of many diseases and disorders. Two compounds [BF-1 (crystalline flavonol quercetin) and BF-2 (tannin) from ethyl acetate fraction of ethanolic extract] were isolated from the bark of Butea frondosa. The stereostructures of the compounds were determined on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence. BF-1 and BF-2 were screened in vitro for possible antibacterial property against 112 bacteria comprising 3 genera of Gram-positive and 12 genera of Gram-negative types. It was found that both BF-1 and BF-2 exhibited inhibitory activity against several bacteria. Most of these strains were inhibited by BF-1 at $50-200\;{\mu}g/ml$, while BF-2 ($MIC_{50}$ $400\;{\mu}g/ml$) was much less active. The bacteria could be arranged in the decreasing order of sensitivity towards BF-1 in the following manner: S. aureus, Bacillus spp., Salmonella spp., Vibrio spp., Shigella spp., E. coli and Pseudomonas spp. The $MIC_{50}$ of the compound was $50\;{\mu}g/ml$ while the $MIC_{90}$ was $100\;{\mu}g/ml$. The decreasing order of sensitivity towards BF-2 was V. cholerae, Bacillus spp., S. aureus, V. parahaemolyticus, Salmonella spp. and Proteus spp. BF-1 was bactericidal in action. In vivo studies with this extract showed that it could offer statistically significant protection (p < 0.01) to mice challenged with a virulent bacterium. The inhibitory activity of Butea frondosa against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria indicates its usefulness in the treatment of common bacterial infections. The potentiality of BF-1 as an antibacterial agent may be confirmed further by pharmacological studies.

Anti-Salmonella activity of a flavonone from Butea frondosa bark in mice

Uma Shankar Mishra,Noton Kumar Dutta,Kaushiki Mazumdar,Santosh Kumar Mahapatra,Pronobesh Chakraborty,Sujata G Dastidar 경희대학교 융합한의과학연구소 2008 Oriental Pharmacy and Experimental Medicine Vol.8 No.4

Butea frondosa has been used traditionally as a topical formulation in the treatment of many diseases and disorders. Two compounds [BF-1 (crystalline flavonol quercetin) and BF-2 (tannin) from ethyl acetate fraction of ethanolic extract] were isolated from the bark of Butea frondosa. The stereostructures of the compounds were determined on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence. BF-1 and BF-2 were screened in vitro for possible antibacterial property against 112 bacteria comprising 3 genera of Gram-positive and 12 genera of Gram-negative types. It was found that both BF-1 and BF-2 exhibited inhibitory activity against several bacteria. Most of these strains were inhibited by BF-1 at 50 - 200 μg/ml, while BF-2 (MIC50 400 μg/ml) was much less active. The bacteria could be arranged in the decreasing order of sensitivity towards BF-1 in the following manner: S. aureus, Bacillus spp., Salmonella spp., Vibrio spp., Shigella spp., E. coli and Pseudomonas spp. The MIC50 of the compound was 50 μg/ml while the MIC90 was 100 μg/ml. The decreasing order of sensitivity towards BF-2 was V. cholerae, Bacillus spp., S. aureus, V. parahaemolyticus, Salmonella spp. and Proteus spp. BF-1 was bactericidal in action. In vivo studies with this extract showed that it could offer statistically significant protection (p < 0.01) to mice challenged with a virulent bacterium. The inhibitory activity of Butea frondosa against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria indicates its usefulness in the treatment of common bacterial infections. The potentiality of BF- 1 as an antibacterial agent may be confirmed further by pharmacological studies. Butea frondosa has been used traditionally as a topical formulation in the treatment of many diseases and disorders. Two compounds [BF-1 (crystalline flavonol quercetin) and BF-2 (tannin) from ethyl acetate fraction of ethanolic extract] were isolated from the bark of Butea frondosa. The stereostructures of the compounds were determined on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence. BF-1 and BF-2 were screened in vitro for possible antibacterial property against 112 bacteria comprising 3 genera of Gram-positive and 12 genera of Gram-negative types. It was found that both BF-1 and BF-2 exhibited inhibitory activity against several bacteria. Most of these strains were inhibited by BF-1 at 50 - 200 μg/ml, while BF-2 (MIC50 400 μg/ml) was much less active. The bacteria could be arranged in the decreasing order of sensitivity towards BF-1 in the following manner: S. aureus, Bacillus spp., Salmonella spp., Vibrio spp., Shigella spp., E. coli and Pseudomonas spp. The MIC50 of the compound was 50 μg/ml while the MIC90 was 100 μg/ml. The decreasing order of sensitivity towards BF-2 was V. cholerae, Bacillus spp., S. aureus, V. parahaemolyticus, Salmonella spp. and Proteus spp. BF-1 was bactericidal in action. In vivo studies with this extract showed that it could offer statistically significant protection (p < 0.01) to mice challenged with a virulent bacterium. The inhibitory activity of Butea frondosa against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria indicates its usefulness in the treatment of common bacterial infections. The potentiality of BF- 1 as an antibacterial agent may be confirmed further by pharmacological studies.